U is for Ugly Stick

The ugly stick has played a role in Newfoundland party times throughout the years.  It's about four feet long and is decked out in bottle caps, tin cans, small bells,  rubber boots, old sneakers and other assorted noise makers.  Its played by thumping the stick and hitting its attachments.  An ugly stick is a mummer must!

Ugly Stick Demonstration

Ugly Sticks and Umbrella Trees

ugly stick - a percussion musical instrument made from an old mop or broom handle with beer caps ir nail heads attached to make a jingling sound. A second stick is carved with a serrated side and is dragged along the ugly stick like a fiddle bow or is used to strike the ugle stick to make noise. There is often an old rubber boot, shoe or coffee can on the end.





umbrella tree - a landmark in my community